Prince Albert of Monaco's dating advice for Prince Harry

Few people can relate to Prince Harry’s relationship with Meghan Markle and the challenge of introducing an ‘outsider’ to royal life.
However, Prince Albert II of Monaco has a unique insight into the situation and has offered the couple his advice in a new interview.

The reigning monarch of Monaco married Charlene Wittstock, an Olympic swimmer from South Africa, in 2011 - incidentally, the same year Prince William wed Kate Middleton.

Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II of Monaco. (Getty)
Speaking to People, he admits it’s a “pretty tough act” to bring someone new into the goldfish bowl that is royal life.
“Especially in the British royal family, which is scrutinised by the press as no one’s been,” the 59-year-old adds.

“I can’t imagine how that will be on them, on her … Sooner or later, [Meghan]’s going to have to face the full onslaught.”

Video: Prince Harry introduces Meghan Markle to his sister-in-law.

Prince Albert admits Princess Charlene initially struggled to deal with the public attention, something Suits star Markle - already world-famous in her own right - might be better equipped for.
“Being an actress, in a way, gets you a little prepared but nothing really can prepare you for the constant pace of it,” he adds.
Prince Albert’s late father, Prince Rainier III, had an even more intimate understanding of what it’s like for a royal to date a well-known Hollywood star.

Grace Kelly marries Prince Rainier III of Monaco. (Getty)
In 1956, Rainier married actress Grace Kelly, whom he had met at a Palace of Monaco photo session during the Cannes Film Festival.

Like Prince Harry and Meghan, their relationship drew international media attention.

“Mum taught us that you have to do all you can to protect your private life,” Prince Albert, who has two children, says.

However, Princess Grace also knew it was important for the royal family - including children Caroline, Albert and Stephanie - to occasionally face the media.

“When we went on family holidays together, we would take an hour on the first morning and give that to the photographers,” Albert tells People.
“We let them have that hour and in return they would let us go on with our lives during the vacation.”

Prince Albert II on holiday in Switzerland as a child with Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III and sister Princess Stephanie. (Getty)
For their part, Prince Albert believes Prince Harry and Markle appear to be “doing okay for now”.
“The only kind of advice I can offer is the British expression: ‘Keep calm and carry on’,” he says.